TBR Football

Daniel Levy cast a long shadow at Tottenham and if ENIC want a full cultural reset, it will take some time before the former chairman’s influence fades away for good.

For one, Levy is still a shareholder. He owns just shy of 30 per cent of ENIC, who in turn own somewhere in the region of 85 per cent of Tottenham. The remaining equity is held by private investors who bought shares on the London Stock Exchange when the club was still a listed company.

Incidentally, some of those shareholders may have had their stakes in the club as far back as 1983. If ever there came a time when they were able to cash in as part of a full takeover, the markup would be off the charts. Most analysts peg Spurs’ enterprise value at around £3-4bn.

What’s more, Levy’s son – Josh Levy – remains the co-CEO of Tavistock, the Bahamas-based entity which houses Joe Lewis’s various investments, ultimately including the North London club itself through ENIC.

The head of the Levy family spent nearly a quarter of a century at Spurs and, while the new-look regime’s public and private PR push has evangelised about a ‘clean break’, the years he clocked up in N17 continue to define the club as an institution.

However, there have already been wholesale personnel changes and, although the £100m ENIC injected into the club earlier this month has been ringfenced for running costs rather than a glitzy January transfer window, that too was clearly also an attempt to put some meat on the bones of their new strategy.

Interestingly, the £90m the owners added to the club’s debt via a short-term, high-interest loan secured against future Premier League TV revenue from Australian investment Macquarie in September did not get nearly the same fanfare.

News of the £90m emerged barely a week after Levy had left the club. A few months earlier, Levy’s trusted consigliere Donna-Maria Cullen, who had been with the club for 19-and-a-half years, also stepped down.

The move to appoint former Arsenal powerbroker Vinai Venkatesham in April was seen by some as a prelude to the post-levy era, though seemingly not by Venkatesham himself. Sources have told TBR Football that the executive was as surprised as anyone to learn that Levy had been ousted.

Bahamas-based Peter Charrington is now, ostensibly, where the buck stops at Spurs. The non-executive chairman has now been joined by Eric Hinson, an American national with decades of experience in the aviation and aerospace sectors.

Even more recently, it has been confirmed that Spurs’ head of football administration Rebecca Caplehorn has now also left the club, 10 years after joining the club from Queens Park Rangers.

While not a high-profile figure outside the industry, she left deep footprints at Premier League shareholder and European Club Association (now rebranded as European Football Clubs) meetings, where the very biggest decisions in football finance are made.

The new-look Spurs board

That meant she was effectively Spurs’ voice when it came to the defining issue of the current era: PSR.

Profit and Sustainability Rules and UEFA’s equivalent system at European level shape the game’s economy and, more than data analytics or club history, dictate who has the best chances of winning on the pitch.

Having spent almost all of the last 25 years surviving – or, as some Spurs fans might say, subsisting – on their own revenues, Tottenham have never had any anxieties about PSR. That is not to say that they are laissez-faire, though.

On 21 November, Premier League shareholders’ representatives will meet for the second quarterly meeting of the year. The main point of order will be PSR, with clubs set to vote on the possible introduction of new anchoring and squad cost control rules.

These rules, which if implemented will likely run in tandem with the existing PSR system, will…

Anchoring: Limit clubs to spending five times what the bottom-placed club earns in central Premier League distributions on first-team wages, transfer amortisation and agents’ fees

Squad cost control: Cap spending on first-team wages, transfer amortisation and agents’ fees at 85 per cent of total turnover plus profit on player sales

Following Caplehorn’s departure, it is not clear who will represent Spurs at the summit.

However, University of Liverpool football finance lecturer and Price of Football author Kieran Maguire is confident that old habits will die hard and Tottenham’s position on PSR will not have changed.

“Spurs have historically been quite traditional in their approach to PSR,” he said in exclusive conversation with TBR Football.

“They are one of the clubs who will be least impacted by stricter financial controls and that will influence how they vote on PSR.

“Spurs are very much aware of the new nouvaue riche. Chelsea and Man City are what Spurs would consider new-money clubs, but in Newcastle, Aston Villa, maybe Nottingham Forest and Everton, there are clubs that want to address the glass ceiling and the gap between themselves and the so-called ‘Big Six’.

“You have to invest to smash that glass ceiling, so PSR is a barrier. Stricter controls would allow Spurs to maintain their privileged position.”

Keith Andrews has commented on the future of Brentford forward Igor Thiago amid transfer links to the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa.

The Bees lost Thomas Frank to Tottenham over the summer, while several other key players have departed.

Bryan Mbuemo joined Manchester United, and Yoane Wissa moved to Newcastle United as an Alexander Isak replacement.

In their absence, Igor Thiago has stepped up, but his impressive form has attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa.

January transfer for Tottenham and Aston Villa target Igor Thiago ruled out

Ahead of taking on Crystal Palace, Keith Andrews held his pre-match press conference on Friday.

The manager was asked, ‘reports already this week that Spurs, Newcastle and Villa would like him [Thiago] in January, what do you say to those clubs?’

To which Andrews said: “I’ve said over the past few weeks, I was really happy when the last transfer window closed.

“We’re not even in November so I’m not going to talk about a transfer window that is two months away, that will inevitably come closer to the time.

“Thiago is going absolutely nowhere, absolutely nowhere, he’s a pivotal part of this football club, he doesn’t want to go anywhere, that won’t be happening,”

Thiago has six goals in nine Premier League matches already this season, with Erling Haaland the only player to have scored more ahead of the latest gameweek.

Aston Villa and Tottenham transfer news

While a move for the Brentford forward seems to be out of the question, both Villa and Spurs have been linked to plenty more players ahead of January.

Aston Villa signing Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United for a fee somewhere in the region of £30m has been mooted.

Tottenham fans don’t want Dusan Vlahovic, but it is a move that has been explored in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are soon set to do battle on the pitch in the Premier League, but the two London clubs are also set to go head-to-head off the pitch in regards to PSR.

Just like on the pitch and in the stands, notoriously, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea rarely see eye-to-eye at boardroom level.

In terms of spending power, the two clubs are quite the opposite, with the Blues well known for flexing their financial muscle; meanwhile, Spurs are a lot more frugal with their outlay.

Therefore, it is no wonder that Chelsea and Tottenham are split over PSR, and ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash, TBR Football spoke to the site’s head of finance, Adam Williams, about why they are quite so divided.

The ‘Premier League is more divided than ever’ following the Man City case

In the aftermath of Manchester City’s 115 charges, the ‘Premier League is more divided than ever’ away from the pitch, according to Williams.

One of the biggest divisions is where clubs sit on PSR, and in the near future, there is set to be a shareholder meeting to vote on the matter.

Discussing the situation, TBR Football’s head of finance stated: “There are two kinds of rivalries in the Premier League when it comes to the relationships between big clubs: 1) on the pitch and 2) behind the scenes.

“The fallout from Manchester City’s financial charges, the Associated Party Transactions case and differences on matters such as state ownership mean the Premier League is more divided than ever.

“Broadly speaking, there are two loose factions, and Spurs and Chelsea are certainly in opposing camps.

“They have cooperated when it is in their shared interests to do so, such as when it came to the European Super League. In terms of the distribution of prize money, the fixture calendar, the Independent Football Regulator and so on, they are broadly aligned.

“However, Spurs and Chelsea don’t agree on PSR, which is the defining issue of the current era.”

Tottenham and Chelsea’s PSR disagreement

It will come as no surprise that Tottenham and Chelsea are in disagreement over PSR, given the difference in the way both ENIC and Clearlake Capital operate.

The North London club are keen on stronger rules being put in place, whereas the West Londoners are very much opposed to such restrictions.

Williams went on to add: “Spurs would be quite happy to have a stronger PSR system. At the upcoming Premier League shareholder meeting, for example, I expect them to vote in favour of the new anchoring rule, which will limit spending to a five-times multiple of what the bottom-placed clubs earn from the Premier League.

“Why? Because, unlike Chelsea, Tottenham’s owners don’t want to have to put any more money into the club. True, they have injected a bit more cash recently.

“But in 25 years of ownership, ENIC have only put their hand in their pocket on three or four occasions. On the whole, they spend what they earn – and the presence of clubs that go beyond their means makes it harder for them to compete using that model.

“Chelsea are at the opposite end of the spectrum. The owners have pledged to invest £1.75bn in the team and infrastructure. And the club is running operating losses of £200m-plus every season at the moment.

“That’s why they are in trouble under UEFA’s spending rules, which don’t have as many loopholes as the Premier League’s. So I would expect them to vote in favour of more lenient PSR measures.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s Carabao Cup exit on Wednesday night brought more criticism to the door of Brennan Johnson, and fans are now ready for the Welsh winger to be sold.

Since joining Tottenham in the summer of 2023, Brennan Johnson has scored a lot of goals, and some very, very important ones at that.

Most notably, his scrappy effort was the difference between Spurs and Man United in last season’s Europa League final. Whatever happens, Johnson will go down in history as one of the key factors in ending Tottenham’s long wait for a trophy.

However, supporters are tired of Johnson’s wasteful wing play and poor decision-making. He was particularly guilty again this week against Newcastle United, so will the club finally make the bold call to let him go?

How Tottenham and Thomas Frank feel about Brennan Johnson

To get the inside scoop on what the future may hold for Johnson, TBR Football spoke exclusively to Graeme Bailey, who told us there is still a chance for the Welshman to keep his place at Spurs despite the club looking at alternative options.

Bailey said: “Brennan Johnson is determined that he has a future at Spurs and can convince Thomas Frank that he can be a key player for him. We understand Frank likes Johnson and believes he is capable of playing at a high level but the consistency factor is a worry.

“Like with the whole Spurs squad, Frank is getting to grips with how he sees it going forward, what work needs to be done. The fact Spurs are still in the market for another wide player may be an indication that Johnson has work to do to convince Frank that he has a long-term future.”

This is not the first time Brennan Johnson has annoyed fans with his mistakes in games, but with two months to go until the January transfer window, it sounds like the 24-year-old does need to improve if he is to remain in Frank’s plans.

Players linked to Spurs who could replace Brennan Johnson

In the summer, Spurs fans wanted Ademola Lookman, who would no doubt be a replacement for Johnson.

Tottenham have long been linked with Antoine Semenyo, too, but the chances of him leaving Bournemouth in January are slim.

Meanwhile, Iliman Ndiaye is the latest to catch the eye after an impressive display against Spurs. In that game at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Ndiaye played on the right wing, which is not his favoured role, but one he still excelled in.

Thomas Frank rang the changes in Tottenham’s defeat to Newcastle, and it was a disappointing evening for several of the players who started at St James’ Park.

Tottenham Hotspur exited the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle United, who cruised to a 2-0 win at St James’ Park.

Thomas Frank’s team put up a strong fight against the Tyneside club, however, too many spurned chances meant they fell to defeat.

The Spurs boss made four changes from the team which defeated Everton on the weekend, including one player who supporters had been calling to see feature more.

Thomas Frank’s Antonin Kinsky experiment did not pay off vs Newcastle

Frank’s experiment of selecting Antonin Kinsky to start against Newcastle failed to pay off as the youngster struggled in the Carabao Cup tie.

A few weeks prior, there had been plenty of shouts for the 22-year-old to come into the team, especially when Vicario wasn’t playing well.

But against Newcastle, Kinsky, who Tottenham signed for £13m, made quite a poor play for Nick Woltemade’s goal, as he misjudged the flight of the ball.

Frank is a fan of Kinsky’s potential, but the young Czech shotstopper had a few lackadaisical moments at St James’ Park, proving he’s not quite at the required level just yet.

Meanwhile, Vicario has really impressed in recent weeks, with superb displays against both AS Monaco and Everton.

Just recently, Gary Neville admitted he’s changed his mind on Vicario, having been stunned by his display in Spurs’ 3-0 win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Now, the 29-year-old can rest assured his place in the team is safe after Kinsky’s second start of the season didn’t go as hoped.

Injuries have started mounting up at Tottenham, with Vicario, Wilson Odobert and Archie Gray the latest trio to have issues.

Speaking after the game, Frank explained how the Italian goalkeeper had a minor issue, which saw him miss the clash against Newcastle.

Fortunately, he should be ready to face Chelsea, as Frank said: “He had a smaller thing that had to be done, but he’ll be ready for Chelsea.”

In the case of Odobert, the Spurs boss stated: “Odobert had a side strain, unfortunately, that kept him out for this game. Also, we need to assess him, but it could look positive for Chelsea.”

Tottenham Hotspur are already gearing up for the next transfer window, and Dusan Vlahovic has emerged as one of Fabio Paratici’s top targets.

TBR Football sources revealed on Monday that Juventus were prepared to sell Vlahovic in January and Tottenham were interested in doing a deal.

The striker is out of contract next summer and, therefore, the Italian club are keen to secure a fee for him during the next transfer window.

A potential deal for Vlahovic has sparked considerable debate among Spurs fans, and a clear pattern appears to be emerging.

Tottenham fans are against Fabio Paratici signing Dusan Vlahovic

Tottenham Hotspur supporters are strongly against the idea of Fabio Paratici trying to bring Dusan Vlahovic to the North London club.

Spurs are already well stocked with strikers, given they have Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani.

TBR Football has been told that Thomas Frank has concerns over his options, but Kolo Muani impressed against Everton, and Solanke is yet to be given a proper chance.

There is a sense among Spurs fans that another top striker is still required, however, the consensus seems to be that Vlahovic is not that player.

Last season, the Serbian international outscored all three of Spurs’ current strikers, with Solanke ending up just one goal behind him.

Tottenham fans have now taken to X to share their disapproval towards the deal and have called for Paratici to aim higher.

One fan claimed: “I go back and forth on this, but if he can’t fire consistently in Serie A, when players like Hojlund and Lukaku can, I unfortunately don’t think he has much chance in the Premier League.”

“No, he’s worse than Solanke and Kolo Muani battling with Richarlison,” added another.

There were yet more calls to avoid a move for Vlahovic: “It would be a huge mistake by Spurs. Watch a lot of Serie A. It will be a poor fit, and we won’t be able to sell later on.”

Finally, another fan stated: “Can’t we aim for somebody towards their prime. We have Richy, Solanke and Tel who cannot score goals to save their lives. Show some ambition.”

Tottenham need Dominic Solanke back from injury soon

Solanke remains sidelined with an ankle injury, but Frank’s team could really do with a number nine just like the 28-year-old.

The former Bournemouth star’s work rate proved to be so important at times for Spurs last season and the team have been missing that focal point this term.

When asked for an injury update on the striker, Frank told the media on Tuesday: “Dom steps forward, but we will take it step by step.”

Solanke gets much because he cost £60m, but last season, he showed much promise when he was fully fit.

TBR Football understands that Eric Garcia has agreed to sign a new contract with FC Barcelona.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have both been informed that he is now off the market as he has agreed terms on a new deal with Barca.

TBR Football previously revealed that Chelsea had been asking about Garcia, and we can also confirm that Spurs enquired in the summer.

Both clubs also asked about him again over recent weeks, given his current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2026.

Exclusive: Eric Garcia agrees new Barcelona deal despite Tottenham and Chelsea interest

Eric Garcia has become a key player under Hansi Flick this season, and he will now put pen to paper on a new deal with Barcelona, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

The German head coach seems to have decided that he prefers the Spanish defender over Ronald Araujo, who has been dropped to the bench.

The 24-year-old has started ten of Barca’s 13 matches this season, mostly being paired with fellow countryman, Pau Cubarsi.

The former Manchester City defender’s contract situation saw him generate a fair amount of interest, but now, he is set to renew his deal at the Catalan club.

Speaking about the defender’s situation, Bailey told TBR Football: “At one point in the summer with Garcia’s contract expiring, there was real interest with Chelsea and Spurs both keen.

“He is a class act and has Premier League experience; he ticks a lot of boxes. However, Garcia has since become a big player under Hansi Flick, and he is not going anywhere. I am told in recent weeks, his people have confirmed that a new deal is imminent.”

Thomas Frank wants Tottenham to sign another centre-back in January

Thomas Frank is keen for Tottenham to sign another centre-back in January, given his squad is rather short in those areas.

Away at Newcastle, the Danish manager was forced to use Joao Palhinha in that role, and it was an experiment which didn’t pay off.

Kevin Danso is Spurs’ only back-up option who is fit right now, and with Radu Dragusin expected to leave Tottenham and Luka Vuskovic out on loan, they will need to dip into the January market.

Garcia was one of the players the North London club had been assessing, but they will now need to look elsewhere following his contract decision.

Tottenham Hotspur had a very frustrating evening up at St James’ Park, but Pedro Porro was not best pleased with the actions of two of his teammates.

Newcastle United eliminated Spurs from the Carabao Cup in the fifth round, with goals from Nick Woltemade and Fabian Schar doing the job.

Tottenham Hotspur produced a decent display on Tyneside, only for some of their forward players to spurn big chances. Richarlison was particularly poor against Newcastle.

But there was an incident after the match involving Porro, Spence and Kolo Muani which left some of the travelling supporters feeling rather frustrated.

Pedro Porro orders Djed Spence and Randal Kolo Muani over to Tottenham fans

Pedro Porro was forced to order both Djed Spence and Randal Kolo Muani over to Tottenham’s away supporters at St James’ Park.

In the aftermath of their defeat on Tyneside, the pair were spotted heading straight down the tunnel, before the Spaniard intervened and forced them back out.

Spurs fans made the near-300-mile trip up to Newcastle to watch their side suffer yet another defeat to Eddie Howe’s team.

Thomas Frank’s team served up a rather underwhelming performance, too, as the Lilywhites failed to really test Aaron Ramsdale in the Newcastle net.

So to see two of their players head straight down the tunnel and refuse to acknowledge the supporters will have come as a huge frustration.

It’s also a testament to Porro as a character to ensure the players are all considering the fans, and perhaps Frank missed a trick by not including him in the leadership group.

Pedro Porro has a message for Tottenham fans after Newcastle defeat

After the match, Porro made sure to acknowledge the travelling fans and thanked them for supporting them, despite the bad result.

Porro told SpursOfficial: “The first point is disappointment. For us, for all the fans who came today, I think for me and the whole team, we say thank you so much for the support today.

“It’s a bad result for them and us, but I loved the mentality of the team because we conceded a goal from a set piece, and this happens in football, but we stayed in the game. But the best from today was our fans, thank you so much, and keep coming on Saturday.”

The North London club will have the chance to put things right in the London derby against Chelsea on Saturday with a positive result.

TBR Football brings you Premier League predictions for the next round of fixtures, as former referee Mark Clattenburg and chief correspondent Graeme Bailey take you through their picks for the week.

The Premier League enters game week nine, and the storylines are heating up. The pressure is on for Arne Slot at Liverpool, Ruben Amorim has hit his stride at Manchester United, and Arsenal continue to impress.

The next round of games brings us some crackers. The Reds take on Aston Villa in what is a must-win for Slot, Tottenham Hotspur take on Chelsea and Sunderland host Everton at the Stadium of Light.

It should be a fantastic weekend ahead, so with this, here are TBR Football’s predictions for the weekend.

Premier League Predictions

Fulham vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Graeme Bailey: “Wolves are in big, big trouble and this is not an easy game, but Fulham are showing little form, so I think Wolves might just claim a share of the spoils.”

Mark Clattenburg: “I keep saying Wolves’ form must turn. However, it could be a comfortable home win.”

Burnley vs Arsenal

Graeme Bailey: “Scott Parker’s side are really showing up for him, this is not an easy game for Arsenal but the champions-elect get the win… just.”

Mark Clattenburg: “A comfortable afternoon for Arsenal.”

TalkingPoints

Poll: Are Arsenal going to win the Premier League this season?

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Leeds United

Graeme Bailey: “I don’t get Brighton – they have Minteh and Mitoma, two of my favourite Prem players, yet I still don’t enjoy watching them under Hurzler, but I don’t see how they don’t have a bit too much for Leeds in this one.”

Mark Clattenburg: “Brighton are playing well at the moment and I think it will be an odd goal in it.”

Crystal Palace vs Brentford

Graeme Bailey: “Brentford have impressed in recent weeks, but going to Selhurst Park against this Palace team – that’s too much to ask. Comfortable home win.”

Mark Clattenburg: “This will be a tight game, especially given Brentford’s recent form.”

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United

Graeme Bailey: “We have to see improvement in Forest at some point. I think Sean Dyche will build from the back and he has the players to maybe hold United, who have impressed in recent weeks.”

Mark Clattenburg: “I will go for a draw.”

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea

Graeme Bailey: “Two teams who on their day can beat anyone, but can also lose to anyone – high-scoring draw.”

Mark Clattenburg: “Chelsea just to steal the bragging rights.”

TalkingPoints

Poll: Will Tottenham or Chelsea come out on top?

Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Graeme Bailey: “Arne Slot will put things right. The talent he has available is just too good. Villa are not easy to play against and they could easily inflict more pain on the Premier League champions, but under the lights at Anfield I’m going with The Reds.”

Mark Clattenburg: “Liverpool will find some form, especially after losing four on the bounce.”

West Ham United vs Newcastle United

Graeme Bailey: “West Ham are rotten and I don’t see any improvement. They have really been a shambles at times this season, which given they have talents like Paqueta and Bowen is unfathomable. I am saying Newcastle win as they are just far, far superior.”

Mark Clattenburg: “I can only see one winner with West Ham’s form.”

Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth

Graeme Bailey: “I think Bournemouth match up quite well with Man City and they will pose a threat, but at home I think Haaland, Foden et al will edge it. It will be a good game.”

Mark Clattenburg: “Never an easy fixture for any team to play Bournemouth, but City will edge it.”

Sunderland vs Everton

Graeme Bailey: “Two solid teams, I think if anyone wins this, it’s Sunderland, but I’m backing David Moyes to return to Sunderland and claim a point.”

Mark Clattenburg: “Will be a tight game in which Jordan Pickford will return in his first match at the Stadium of Light since his transfer.”

Tottenham Hotspur fans blamed Ange Postecoglou for a slew of problems towards the end of his reign at the club, but there’s one thing that clearly had nothing to do with him.

He may have ended a 17-year wait for a trophy for Tottenham, but Postecoglou’s tactical stubbornness and abysmal performance in the Premier League ultimately cost the Australian his job this summer.

Postecoglou lost the Spurs fans at various points last season. Accusations against him included neglecting set-pieces, building a fragile defence, and being abrasive towards certain sections of the fanbase and the media.

Interestingly, Ange Postecoglou was also blamed for Spurs having a large number of players out injured. His intense training methods were thought to be the cause, but that theory has well and truly been proven wrong now.

Spurs injury crisis has nothing to do with Postecoglou training methods

If you remember Postecoglou’s first season at Spurs, he enjoyed the best ever ten-game start of any new manager in the Premier League. From there onwards, though, injuries to Micky van de Ven and James Maddison really kickstarted a disastrous period for the Lilywhites.

In 2024/25, Postecoglou suffered a similar obstacle once more. At times, the Spurs boss literally had to name schoolboys in his matchday squad — Luca Williams-Barnett has since made his debut for the first-team, so that enforced inclusion away at Galatasaray was worth the day off school.

Across last season, Tottenham lost 1,553 player-days to injury combined and a total of 41 different injury cases. That injury crisis cost the likes of Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie, and Dominic Solanke valuable game time among many, many others.

Back in February, at the peak of Tottenham’s problems, Postecoglou said (via The Guardian): “When you’re going through that period of so many games and with the small squad because of our injury situation, we couldn’t really train. You want to rectify things and the best place to rectify things is on the training track and we just couldn’t do it.”

He also described that crisis as the “most extreme of circumstances” and insisted the injury problems were absolutely to blame for the club’s poor form in the league.

However, many suspected that Postecoglou was to blame, particularly due to the fact that hamstring strains were a common theme among the Spurs squad.

Now, Spurs are in exactly the same position under Thomas Frank. For the third season in a row, the first-team has been ravaged by injuries, with ten players on the sidelines, and two more a doubt ahead of this weekend.

Is it bad luck? Is the Tottenham medical team to blame? Or, perhaps Frank found Postecoglou’s notes in the manager’s office and decided to put the players through the exact same rigorous training regime?

Ruling out that last option, only one thing is certain: Ange Postecoglou was never the problem when it came to Tottenham Hotspur’s fitness issues. Instead, it was just another criticism for people to throw at the beleaguered boss for the sake of having someone to blame.

Tottenham injury list has one silver lining

Right now, Tottenham are missing captain Cristian Romero, as well as fellow defenders Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai, Destiny Udogie, and Archie Gray, who is being used at the back.

Long-term absentees Maddison, Kulusevski, and Solanke remain out, along with Yves Bissouma. More recently, Wilson Odobert has taken a knock and Randal Kolo Muani is a fitness concern.

And yet, despite all this, Spurs are third in the Premier League table after nine games. Win at Chelsea this weekend and that’ll be 20 points from the first ten matches — not quite the 26-point haul Postecoglou achieved in his impressive Spurs star, but still, a strong opening to the Frank era.

Having all those players out injured is not ideal, but it is making Frank test the limits of his squad and he’s seeing positive results (even if performances are not setting the world alight). Now, just think how strong Tottenham could be when the big names return.